This story was originally published in the Summer 1995 issue of Classroom Connect magazine. Copyright 1995 Wentworth Worldwide Media. Contact connect@wentworth.com or http://www.wentworth.com for more information. -- Internet Lesson Plan Genetic Traits Subject: Science/Genetics Grade Levels: 6-12 Objectives: Ą Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between both human and plant species Ą Better understand the remarkable diversity of humans and plant species Ą Use the Internet to exchange information about genetic diversity, such as colorblindness and height, with one or more partner classes worldwide Ą (optional) Use the Internet to experience video-conferencing to aid in comparing and contrasting the differences and similarities among a small sample of the human species (your class!) SUBHEAD: Materials: Ą Science textbook containing the basics of genetics Ą Several ears of corn, squash, oranges, bananas, and tomatoes Ą Computer with an Internet connection, including email, Usenet newsgroup, gopher, and (optional) CU-SeeMe equipment and access Procedures: 1. Sign on to the Internet, access one or more of the following mailing lists or newsgroups, and post an invitation for one or two distant classes to participate in your online-based study of genetics. Kidsphere Mailing List Email to: kidsphere-request@vms.cis.pitt.edu Type subscribe kidsphere in the body of the message, and leave the subject line blank. Middle School List Email to: listserv@listserv.net Type subscribe MIDDLE-L in the body of the message, and leave the subject line blank. Usenet newsgroups alt.education.distance k12.chat.teacher k12.ed.science 2. After youŐve established contact with your partner class(es), send them a copy of this lesson plan, either by email or postal mail. The lesson will take about 3 weeks to complete. 3. During your regular unit on genetics, introduce this project to the class, and collect basic dominant or recessive genetic information about each student. This includes tongue traits, double jointed hands, dominant eyes, colorbindness, and ear lobes. 4. Take several days to share the gathered information with partner class(es) using email. Have students keep a detailed telecommunication journal throughout this process, outlining any and all contact they have with partner students. 5. Have students measure each otherŐs height, then graph the results for the entire class. 6. Take several days to share the gathered information with partner class(es) using email. 7. Bring in several ears of corn, squash, oranges, bananas, and tomatoes. Have the class break up into groups and take detailed measurements of each fruit or vegetable, and compare and contrast the differences and similarities between each like item. Graph the results for the entire class. 8. Take several days to share the gathered information with partner class(es) using email. 9. Once students complete the entire lesson plan, have them compile their findings into a personal Gene Wheel to map out their individual traits; turn in all data collected during group exercises; evaluate the data gathered both by their group and at least one other school participant; and turn the telecommunications journal. 10. (optional) During the final day or two of the project, link your school with your partner class(es) using CU-SeeMe to share unusual phenotypes over the Internet. Use the link to Ňlink a faceÓ to each set of data collected by your students. The CU-SeeMe software and information on setting up a link is available via ftp. Ftp to: ftp.wentworth.com Go to the wentworth/Internet-Software subdirectory SUBHEAD: Extensions: 1. Obtain a document on the NASA gopher site that has more ideas on integrating the Internet into genetics-related course materials. Gopher to: quest.arc.nasa.gov Look in Classes You Can Teach Using the Internet, Mendocino Curriculum, Genetic Traits Another great source of both human and plant Genetics-related materials is housed online at the University of Michigan. Gopher to: una.hh.lib.umich.edu Look in science, Biological Sciences, Genetics 2. Have your students prepare a final report on the lesson using all of the information gathered throughout the project using report writing software such as ClarisWorks or Microsoft Word for sharing among partner classes via the Internet. This allows each class to cross-evaluate the results.